Karen Richardson, an Idaho resident, took a photo of the calf in the back of a car after it was « saved » by other Yellowstone tourists who believed it was cold, she told EastIdahoNews.com.

« They were demanding to speak with a ranger, » Richardson said. « They were seriously worried that the calf was freezing and dying. »

The visitors were cited by rangers « for placing a newborn bison calf in their vehicle and transporting it to a park facility because of their misplaced concern for the animal’s welfare, » said the park in a statement.

A wild bison and her eight-day-old calf are seen at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge outside Denver in August 2009.